Detroit Zoo Closed Tuesday For Cleanup After Record-Breaking Rainfall

ROYAL OAK (WWJ) – The Detroit Zoo will be closed on Tuesday, August 12, as a result of the record-breaking rainfall that swept through southeast Michigan on Monday.

Zoo officials say flooding caused damage to facilities and equipment, including the Arctic Ring of Life, boilers in other buildings, and technical equipment, although the full extent of the damage is not yet known.

Detroit Zoo Director Ron Kagan said all the animals are secure and none were injured.

“The rhino building basement, the giraffe building basement, the lion building basement, a couple of others (are flooded). We also had a few of the yards where the animals are normally outside flood,” Kagan told WWJ Newsradio 950. “Fortunately, all of the animals are safe.”

There are no concerns with animal welfare at this time.

Staff is currently evaluating all areas of the park and beginning cleanup efforts and repairs. In order to affect the necessary repairs, several buildings will need to be closed to the public.

Kagan said insurance will cover the damage.

Kagan says staff is always prepared for emergency situations.

“We constantly do emergency drills for all sorts of event, and flooding is one of them.” Kagan said. “It worked the way it was supposed to work.”

The zoo is expected to reopen with regular business hours on Wednesday, Aug. 13.